Bernicat sworn in as DG of US Foreign Service

Marcia S. Bernicat, former US ambassador to Bangladesh, was sworn in on Tuesday as Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Global Talent, says the US Department of State.

A career member of the Foreign Service for 41 years, she was acting assistant secretary in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) until September 30, 2021.

Also, from January-August 2021, she served concurrently as Senior Official for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.

From 2019-2020, she served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for OES. She has also served as US Ambassador to Bangladesh and to Senegal and Guinea Bissau, Deputy Chief of Mission in Barbados and Malawi, and as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Human Resources, among many other positions with the Department.

Director General Bernicat is a graduate of Lafayette College and Georgetown University.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

PM: AL always fulfils its election pledges to the people

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday expressed satisfaction that her ruling Awami League party has been able to fulfil its election pledges to the people.

She said this in her introductory speech at the Awami League Advisory Council meeting held at her official residence Ganobhaban.

At the outset of the meeting observed one-minute silence in memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders, martyrs of August 15 massacre and late members of the Advisory Council.

Hasina, who is also president of the ruling party, said that Awami League never forgets its election pledges after forming the government.

“Every time while formulating the budget we evaluate how much progress we have made to implement the election pledges,” she said.

She also mentioned that while formulating the budget the Awami League government considers how to implement the unfinished election pledges.

She said that the government is advancing the country using the modern technology by developing from the grassroots level.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday expressed satisfaction that her ruling Awami League party has been able to fulfil its election pledges to the people.

She said this in her introductory speech at the Awami League Advisory Council meeting held at her official residence Ganobhaban.

At the outset of the meeting observed one-minute silence in memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders, martyrs of August 15 massacre and late members of the Advisory Council.

Hasina, who is also president of the ruling party, said that Awami League never forgets its election pledges after forming the government.

“Every time while formulating the budget we evaluate how much progress we have made to implement the election pledges,” she said.

She also mentioned that while formulating the budget the Awami League government considers how to implement the unfinished election pledges.

She said that the government is advancing the country using the modern technology by developing from the grassroots level.

In this connection she mentioned that Dr Muahmmad Yunus, just for a post of managing director of Grameen Bank, carried out the conspiracy.

“He illegally stayed in the MD post of Grameen Bank at the age of 71. He lodged a case regarding the matter and lost,” she said.

She alleged that the World Bank cancelled the funding of the project on his (Dr Yunus ) request and later the Awami League government constructed that Bridge with the country’s own resources.

She said the next council of Awami League will be held within December this year.

Hasina said Bangladesh has proved it is no longer dependent on foreign funding by self-financing the construction of Padma Bridge.

“Bangladesh has changed a lot,” she said.

The PM said that after assuming power the Awami League government has been able to bring discipline in every sphere of life which was destroyed military regimes.

“We don’t believe in the trickle down development, we always believes in the socioeconomic development from the grassroots level,” she said.

She mentioned that her government has been able to reduce the poverty level under 20 per cent and hoped that in the upcoming census report the rate will decline further.

“Coronavirus has slowed down our economic growth. The growth was reduced to 3.5 per cent from eight per cent due to the pandemic. That was only for three months. Later we regained our momentum and now we have almost seven per cent growth,” she said.

She mentioned that the government is taking preparations to face the challenges that may arise because of the country’s graduation to a developing nation by 2026.

“This will not be a tough job for us. Our export is increasing and the remittance inflow is increasing,” she said.

The PM said that the government has formulated Delta Plan 2100 for sustainable development of the country overcoming the climate change effects.

She also put emphasis on strengthening the party to better serve the people.

She said that the government is thinking of providing Covid-19 vaccine to under-12 population with approval from the WHO.

“We have taken every step to protect people’s lives,” she said.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Bongo brings Turkish series ‘Hercai’ as ‘Rehana’

Video streaming platform Bongo released the Turkish love and revenge series “Hercai” – dubbed as “Rehana” in Bangla – Wednesday.

The story revolves around Rehana searching for her entity and pursuing true love. She tries to escape her abusive grandparents and relatives to settle down with her love.

Based on a novel written by Sümeyye Koc, Rehana begins in the ancient town of Midyat in the historic Mardin province, Turkey, where a powerful and influential – renowned as the Shawdagar – lives.

The head of the family is Shanu Shawdagar, the grandfather of Rehana. One day, Miran comes across Rehana while she rides a horse.

Miran is the love interest of Rehana’s cousin Shirin.

However, Miran and Rehana both fall for each other. Facing many challenges, Miran marries Rehana, but his ex Shirin vows to take revenge on him.

The famous duo Ebru Sahin and Akin Akinözü have played the lead roles of Rehana and Miran.

The drama premiered on March 15, 2019, on ATV in Turkey.

The series is created by 10 female screenwriters; the female characters in the series have more depth and complexity.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Bangladeshi women choosing trained midwives for safe childbirth: Studies

Studies show that over last three years Bangladeshi women chose trained midwives for safe childbirth.

Evidence shows midwifery education in Bangladesh is making real impact by improving women’s access to safe childbirth.

In association with the British High Commission in Bangladesh, the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) organised a dissemination seminar on Wednesday at the auditorium of DGNM in Dhaka, to share findings of two studies on midwifery in Bangladesh.

Those two independent studies focused on the lessons learnt while strengthening midwifery in Bangladesh, and pathways to women’s empowerment through midwifery education.

The findings indicate that the UK Government’s support helped the Government of Bangladesh increase deployment and utilize the diploma holder midwives which greatly improved women’s access to safe childbirth, over the last three years.

In 2021, the midwives, deployed in 403 Upazila Health Complexes (UzHCs), conducted 87 per cent of the total deliveries at those UzHCs. In 2018, the percentage was only 24.

The studies also found that the existing midwifery education in Bangladesh is effective and contributing to sharpen the social and counselling skills, and improve interpersonal communications of midwives while attending any service recipients.

In contrast to the traditional birth attendants, the trained midwives are able to provide more institutional support to use technology-based tools for child delivery, which makes midwifery in Bangladesh more trustworthy to service recipients.

The curriculum on midwifery education helps midwives immensely in taking vital decisions when a situation is critical.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

BCL blockade halts classes, exams at CU

The overall activities of Chittagong University came to a halt on Wednesday as a faction of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) enforced a blockade from the morning following an infighting between its two factions.

Witnesses said a group of BCL men put the main gate of the university under lock and key and stopped the shuttle train services by placing logs on the rail tracks, causing sufferings to the students.

No buses which carry teachers left for the city in the morning amid obstruction by the BCL men and different departments were forced to postpone their exams and classes, said students.

Sources said Pradeep Chakraborty Durjoy and Mohammd Rashed, two leaders of Chhatra League ‘VX group’ were beaten up by some supporters of Jubo League leader Hanif around 1 am in front of Mazar Gate area while they were going to the campus by a motorbike.

The Jubo League activists also vandalized their motorbike.

Prof. Shahidul Islam, assistant proctor of the university, said following the incident, the leaders and activities of Chhattra League halted shuttle train services and shut the main gate of the university, barring all vehicles to enter the campus.

Sources said Pradeep Chakraborty Durjoy and Mohammd Rashed, two leaders of Chhatra League ‘VX group’ were beaten up by some supporters of Jubo League leader Hanif around 1 am in front of Mazar Gate area while they were going to the campus by a motorbike.

The Jubo League activists also vandalized their motorbike.

Prof. Shahidul Islam, assistant proctor of the university, said following the incident, the leaders and activities of Chhattra League halted shuttle train services and shut the main gate of the university, barring all vehicles to enter the campus.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

AL profiteers’ foul play behind rice price hike: BNP

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday alleged that the price of rice is increasing again due to foul play of the ruling party ‘swindlers’.

“The price of rice has started rising again. It’s supposed to come down during this full Boro harvesting season. But the price is going up again. There’s a foul play again,” he said.

Speaking at a seminar he said “The price is increasing due to the machinations of Awami thieves and looters. Their goal is to make a quick buck by cutting the pockets of the common people.”

Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal arranged the seminar titled ‘Agricultural Revolution in Bangladesh: Martyred President Zia’s Policies and Programs’ at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 41st death anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.

Bangladesh Agricultural University Professor Golam Hafeez Kennedy presented the keynote paper at the seminar highlighting various steps taken by Zia for the development of agriculture.

Fakhrul deplored that ruling party leaders often make indecent comments about Ziaur Rahman as they want to remove his name from the country’s history.

“The information minister said yesterday (Tuesday) that he (Zia) was a traitor and killer. I don’t know whether he (minister) was born at that time,” he taunted.

The BNP leader also said the information minister’s comment has manifested his culture and trait. “We never underestimate their leaders. Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia have taught us this culture.”

He alleged that the ruling party leaders always make offensive comments about BNP and the national leaders. “The way Mr Obaidul Quader (AL general secretary) issued a threat yesterday (Tuesday)) this is not the language of politics and this is not the language of democracy.”

Fakhrul urged the Krishak Dal leaders to unite the framers across the country to wage a movement for overcoming the current situation in the country.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Comment on ‘nomination trade’: Janipop chairman, 2 others sued under DSA

A case has been filed against three people including Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, chairman of election observation group Janipop, under the Digital Security Act (DSA) over their comments involving an Awami League candidate in the Cumilla City Corporation (CCC) elections.

Convener of Cumilla City Jubo League Abdullah Al Mahmud Shahid filed the case with Cyber Tribunal Judge Zahirul Kabir on Wednesday.

The two other accused are- BNP chairperson’s adviser and former MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury and host of UK-based YouTube channel ‘Table Talk UK’ Hasina Akhtar.

The court directed the Cyber Crime Unit of police to investigate the allegations and submit a report by July 12, said plaintiff’s lawyer Advocate Iftekhar Simul Chowdhury.

As per the statement, Kalimullah commented in a recent talk show on YouTube that AL candidate in the Cumilla City Corporation election, Arfanul Haque Rifat, bought the nomination spending Tk 13 crore first, then Tk 20 crore, and finally Tk 60 crore.

The discussion was aired on YouTube on May 22 where Kalimullah and two others took part there.

The plaintiff also alleged that the accused have tarnished their long standing political reputation by presenting such false information.

Cumilla City Corporation elections will be held on June 15.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Pogba leaving United for free after joining for record fee

Paul Pogba joined Manchester United for a world-record fee. He’ll leave the English club for nothing.

United said Wednesday the France midfielder would be departing Old Trafford at the end of the month when his contract expires.

“We wish him all the best for the next steps on a remarkable journey,” the club said in a long statement that detailed all the successes in his career.

Pogba’s second stint at United has been underwhelming, however.

He made his return in 2016, when Jose Mourinho was manager, for a fee of around 105 million euros ($116 million) and to much fanfare amid a series of glitzy videos. He came from Juventus, where he had moved from United in 2012 having joined the English team’s academy at the age of 16.

Pogba made 226 appearances, scoring 39 goals, in six injury-affected years in his second spell at United. During that time, he won the World Cup with France in 2018 but his performances for United never quite matched those for his national team, with United managers unable to find his best role.

He won two trophies — the League Cup and the Europa League — both in his first season back at United.

In his first spell, Pogba played only seven games — all as a substitute — for United before it ended sourly when he allowed his contract to run down and join Juventus.

United got only 800,000 pounds (around $1 million) in compensation for a player who was then just a precocious teenager.

His final game for United proved to be the 4-1 loss at Liverpool in April, when he hobbled off injured early in the first half.

“For a boy that joined the academy at 16 to make over 200 United appearances and lift the Youth Cup, along with two major pieces of silverware — not to mention the World Cup at international level — is something that should be applauded and celebrated,” United said.

“Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Paul on his successful career.”

Pogba has been linked with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Bale bids farewell to Madrid, says he fulfilled his dream

Gareth Bale confirmed he is leaving Real Madrid on Wednesday, saying he was happy to have fulfilled his dream of playing with the Spanish powerhouse.

The 32-year-old Bale, whose contract expires at the end of this month, joined Madrid from Tottenham in 2013. He played on loan with the English club in 2020-21.

“I arrived here nine years ago as a young man who wanted to realize my dream of playing for Real Madrid. To wear the pristine white kit, to wear the crest on my chest, to play at the Santiago Bernabéu, to win titles and to be part of what it’s so famous for, to win the Champions League. I can now look back, reflect and say with honesty that this dream became a reality and much, much more,” he said in a letter posted on Twitter.

“To be a part of this club’s history and to achieve what we achieved while I was a Real Madrid player, has been an incredible experience and one I will never forget,” the Wales forward said.

He helped Madrid win five European titles, scoring in the 2014 and 2018 Champions League finals. He also helped the club lift four Club World Cup trophies and win three Spanish league titles.

Bale, whose next move remains unknown, had an old feud with Madrid fans but was thankful to everyone at the club in his farewell letter.

“I write this message to say thank you to all my teammates, past and present, my managers, the back room staff and to the fans that supported me,” he said.

Bale was booed the few times he got to play this season, and was even jeered by some during the team’s title celebrations after it won the Champions League a record-extending 14th time last week. He has long been at odds with Madrid fans who felt he didn’t make the club a priority and instead focused on Wales’ national team.

Fans and Spanish media said Bale failed to consistently perform to his potential since joining for a then-world record fee of 100 million euros (now $107 million).

Earlier this year, Bale spoke out against the psychological harm that professional athletes can receive from the media after a leading Spanish sports daily published a column entitled “The Welsh Parasite.” Bale accused the media of “encouraging anger and disappointment in fans.”

This season, he made only seven appearances and scored one goal with the club.

“Together we were able to create some moments that will live forever in the history of this club and football,” Bale said. “It has been an honor.”

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Social media prepaid card launched for women entrepreneurs

Bangladesh’s first-ever social media prepaid card was launched on Wednesday, aimed at encouraging women to start Facebook-centric businesses.

MasterCard, Mutual Trust Bank, and e-Courier have jointly launched the prepaid card at an event in the capital.

The card is designed specifically for women entrepreneurs so that they can benefit from Facebook-centric businesses.

The card has a dual currency facility for entrepreneurs to use their Facebook page without any third-party payment assistance.

The e-courier will transfer funds directly to the client’s prepaid card, so women entrepreneurs do not have to go to the e-courier to collect cash in person.

This card includes special discounts on e-commerce portals, jewelry shops, groceries, and clothing stores, specially designed for cardholders.

Cardholders will have a dual currency transaction facility at more than 5,000 outlets in Bangladesh, Bogo (buy-one-get-one) at hotel locations, dining and lifestyle offer an easy subscription on streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.), MTB Green Pin services, SMS banking, POS services, ATM and QR-code transaction facilities.

Biplob Ghosh Rahul, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of e-Courier, said, “E-Courier is pleased to launch for the first time a co-branded prepaid card for women entrepreneurs in a joint venture with MasterCard and Mutual Trust Bank.

E-Courier is the first private logistics and courier brand in Bangladesh, which has been supporting women entrepreneurs and their endeavours through sophisticated and specialized logistics solutions for the past eight years.

Syed Mohammad Kamal, country manager, MasterCard Bangladesh, said, “The pandemic has had a significant impact on consumer spending growth on e-commerce channels like Facebook.”

The women entrepreneurs are contributing to the F-Commerce sector in Bangladesh that is why this card was introduced, he said.

Syed Mahbubur Rahman, MD & CEO, Mutual Trust Bank (MTB), said, “MTB has always played a leading role in implementing innovative payment solutions.

“Introducing co-branded prepaid cards jointly will ensure various financial benefits. This will further facilitate the expansion of trade and commerce in Bangladesh’s growing F-commerce sector,” he added.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

BGMEA chief meets ILO DG; emphasizes on fair prices

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan has emphasized the need for fair prices to make the apparel industry more sustainable, positively impacting the well-being of garment workers.

Production costs in garment manufacturing have gone up due to increase in prices of yarn, chemicals and other raw materials in the global supply chain and shipping charges, but prices offered by buyers do not reflect the reality and rationality, he said.

His remarks came during a meeting with Guy Ryder, Director-General of the International Labour Organization at the ILO headquarters in Geneva on Tuesday, said the BGMEA on Wednesday.

President of Employers Federation of Bangladesh (BEF) Ardashir Kabir, Executive President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Mohammad Hatem, BGMEA Standing Committee Chair on ILO issue A N M Saifuddin and Secretary-General of BEF Farooq Ahmed were also present in the meeting.

The delegation apprised the ILO Director-General of the current situation of the ready-made garment industry of Bangladesh, its challenges and opportunities.

They also highlighted how the RMG industry of Bangladesh has gone through the tangible transformation in the areas of workplace safety, labor standards, and environmental sustainability.

With these achievements Bangladesh has earned the global accolades and recognition as a safe and ethical apparel sourcing destinations in the world, they said.

The delegation requested the ILO Director-General to press for the issue of ethical prices in global forums.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Civil society for direct inclusion of taxpayers into universal pension scheme

The civil society representatives Wednesday demanded the direct inclusion of income taxpayers into the universal pension scheme (UPS), which is expected to be announced in the national budget for the fiscal year 2022-23.

They also urged the government to take everyone’s opinion into account to design an effective and sustainable scheme at a pre-budget seminar organised by COAST Foundation in Dhaka.

Ahsanul Karim, assistant director at COAST Trust, said constitutionally Bangladesh is a welfare state but the approach of the UPS is somehow a commercial instead of being a rights-based one.

The income taxpayers will have to be included directly into the UPS as they are key resource mobilisers to develop the country and have the right to get the benefit, he said.

Barrister Shamim Haider MP said the proposed UPS is like an investment instrument that needs to be revised for shaping an institutional framework to serve everyone based on their economic status. “The change has to be made before submitting it to the cabinet.”

COAST Foundation Chairman Dr Tofail Ahmed said the UPS is now one of the options that can benefit the people who pay taxes directly and indirectly.

He recommended bringing the “zakat fund” under a regulatory framework in mobilising substantial resources for UPS through paying tax incentives.

Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) Chairman Dr Quazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said: “Poor people must be supported through the pension scheme. So, make the pension scheme people-focused within the quickest time,” he said.

Source: United News of Bangladesh